Dr. Koutrelakos, Faina's oncologist, told us today that she will not have to undergo chemotherapy. The primary source of the cancer, her stomach, is now in some pathologist's lab, the lymph nodes tested negative, and her liver is clean. Under any circumstances the ECF regimen would have been difficult. The cumulative effect would have made cycles 4, 5, and 6 a particularly tough uphill climb. I feel a little like my friend David's father felt in August 1945 when after fighting in Europe in Patton's army, he was at a port in Italy, about to be shipped out to the South Pacific, when he got word that the Japanese surrendered and he would be going home.
We still have to keep an eye on the fistula. Draining the ostomy bags is a two-three times a day exercise and noting the outputs reminds me of an 11th grade chemistry experiment. Dr. Schulick said that the chances of it closing on its own were 50:50. Another doctor said it was unlikely to close on its own and to get used to the idea of a further surgical procedure in the not-too-distant future.
All in all Faina's mood is much improved. She talked to Maya who had just gotten back to her apartment in Haifa. We took two good long walks around the neighborhood, enjoying another glorious day of pleasant sunshine and cool breezes. She arranged the flowers Amy and Charlie sent over in one of her favorite vases. At this hour the nutrition pump is going, a fresh Fentanyl patch and Ambien are working their magic, and I am staring at a $17,276.39 medical bill.
To Be Continued ...
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Your posts are informative, discreet, full of admiration and love.
ReplyDeleteAdhesions, fistula, ostomy bags, 12 hour nightly TPN-- all familiar and part of my family's vocabulary. Amazing how adaptable we are to the challenges we face, and how they become part of the accepted routine. Isn't it weird? The stuff you have come to accept? And aren't some of the simplest pleasures-- a stroll in fresh air, the view from a home deck-- some of the most miraculous treasures?